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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Hearty Dump-and-Go Casseroles for the Whole Family

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 26, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are a fantastic way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy families. These 20 dump-and-go recipes allow you to simply combine ingredients in one dish and let the oven do the work. From classic comfort foods to creative combinations, these casseroles are sure to please everyone at the table.

    Tuna Sushi Bake

    Tuna Sushi Bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This easy sushi bake combines rice, canned tuna, slivered nori, and a spicy mayo drizzle. It's a simple casserole that works well for weeknight dinners and meal prep. This dish is also great for gatherings and dinner parties. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love. It's a fun twist on traditional sushi that brings a cozy vibe to your table.

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    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker casserole puts a fun spin on the classic tater tot dish that many people remember from their childhood. The mix of chicken, bacon, ranch, and tater tots creates a comforting meal that hits the spot. It's perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love. This dish is sure to bring back fond memories while filling your belly.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    Southwest chicken casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese in a single dish. It features a simple mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, making it easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying. Everyone in the family will love it, and it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy a comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It features a blend of two delicious cheeses, with a nice kick from Gorgonzola, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts. You can whip this up in less than 40 minutes, making it a quick and simple meal. It's a comforting dish that hits the spot when you're craving something hearty. Enjoy a cozy dinner with this easy-to-make casserole.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is rich and cheesy, all made in just one baking dish. It comes together quickly, taking less than an hour from start to finish. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up, making it perfect for anyone. The flavors are so good, it feels like you’re enjoying a meal from a nice restaurant. This is a great option when you’re in the mood for some comforting food.

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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for those nights when you need something quick and comforting. You can throw everything together in the same pan, and there's no need to cook the pasta beforehand. It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and all the flavors you love from pizza. Everyone in the family will enjoy this dish. It’s a simple meal that brings everyone together.

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    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This easy crock pot lasagna is a great meal to prepare ahead of time. It only takes a few minutes to put together using basic ingredients, including uncooked lasagna noodles. After that, the crock pot takes care of the cooking, so you can relax. This dish is perfect for when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole brings the flavors of a classic Italian dinner into one easy dish. It features tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is perfect for when you want something hearty. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    A serving of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken enchilada casserole combines all the delicious flavors of enchiladas in a simple, layered dish. It features corn tortillas, lots of cheese, and rich red enchilada sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will love this hearty and flavorful dish.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple and quick to prepare. In just 10 minutes, you can have everything ready to go into the oven, and then it takes about 45 minutes to bake. This recipe uses only one pan, so there's no need to boil pasta or make a sauce separately. With a mix of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, it’s rich and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal when you're craving something comforting.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just five minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can enjoy a hearty meal in under 40 minutes. This is a great choice for busy nights when you still want a satisfying dinner.

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    Meatball Casserole

    Meatball casserole served on a dish.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Meatball Casserole is a filling and tasty dish that combines tender meatballs with pasta, all baked together in a creamy sauce made from marinara, heavy cream, chicken broth, and gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in when you want something comforting. It’s simple to prepare and only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about comfort and simplicity. It's cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for when you want something hearty. With minimal effort, you can whip up a meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a great choice for busy nights when you still want something warm and filling. This casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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    Ranch Chicken & Potato Casserole

    Ranch potato bake.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Ranch Chicken and Potato Casserole with broccoli, bacon, and cheese is a great choice for comfort food. It’s really easy to prepare and only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner during busy weeknights. With its hearty ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy a warm and filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple and quick to prepare. It features a tasty mix of BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese. Everyone in the family will enjoy this comforting dish. It's perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for a cozy family dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    A tater tot casserole with chicken and bacon is a great choice for a comforting meal. This dish is simple to prepare and cooks in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. In just 5 hours, you’ll have a hearty casserole that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

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    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    This recipe is all about convenience and comfort. It uses canned soups and pre-made rice mixes, making it easy to throw together. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something simple and satisfying. This dish brings back the feeling of classic comfort food without requiring much effort. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels like home.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the warmth of homemade comfort food right to your table. It's packed with flavors and is perfect for a cozy dinner. Plus, this chicken and rice dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers. You can whip it up without much effort, making it ideal for busy evenings. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly cheesy and can be made in just one dish, so there's no need to pre-cook anything. Simply combine the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you'll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy. With a mix of mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s packed with flavor and creaminess. This is a great option for when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights in, this dish is sure to please everyone.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Cajun flavors are always a hit, and this casserole is super easy to prepare. You can throw it together without even boiling the pasta first, which saves time and effort. As it bakes, a creamy sauce develops that brings everything together nicely. This dish is perfect for when you're in the mood for some comforting food. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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